withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand 

wit͟h-

withstood with-ˈstu̇d 

wit͟h-

; withstanding

transitive verb

1

a

: to stand up against : oppose with firm determination

especially : to resist successfully

b

: to be proof against : resist the effect of

withstand the impact of a landing

—Current Biography

2

archaic : to stop or obstruct the course of

Synonyms

• buck
• defy
• fight
• oppose
• repel
• resist

Choose the Right Synonym for withstand

oppose, combat, resist, withstand mean to set oneself against someone or something.

oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples of withstand in a Sentence

cookware that can withstand high temperatures

I couldn't withstand the rigors of army life.

They withstood attacks from many critics.

Recent Examples on the Web

Before installing, choose a tile that is waterproof and durable enough to withstand walking. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 2025

Now, 25 years later, Zenger Folkman conducted a study to determine whether its initial conclusions about leadership styles have withstood the test of time and remain valid today. —Joseph Folkman, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Even though modern building codes generally require garage doors to withstand high winds, before 2006 garage doors didn’t need to be wind-rated in the United States (except in Florida), according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. —Ron Lieber, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2025

Against that volatile backdrop, investors can track the stock picks of top Wall Street analysts to enhance their portfolios by adding stocks that can withstand near-term pressures and deliver strong returns over the long term. —Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English withstandan, from with against + standan to stand

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for withstand

• armband
• backhand
• bandstand
• baseband
• broadband
• command
• cropland
• demand
• disband
• dreamland
• expand
• farmhand

Kids Definition

withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand 

wit͟h-

withstood -ˈstu̇d  ; withstanding

: to stand against : resist

especially : to oppose successfully